A FAMILY face losing their home because it stands in the way of a lucrative land-for-homes cash deal.

Mrs Ann Whittleworth's council house (pictured) is one of two standing in the way of a link road to a new housing development behind North Avenue, Unsworth.

Housing bosses in Bury are awaiting the result of consultation and feasibility studies before deciding whether or not to sell the land to a developer.

"I have lived here for seven years and I love the area," said mother-of-three Mrs Whittleworth (44) who suffers from osteoporosis, commonly known as brittle bone syndrome.

"My youngest daughter goes to school nearby and my doctor is close.

"I don't want to lose my home. When the council asked for my views on the plan and the possibility of moving, I was devastated."

Stressing that the homes plan is no more than a possibility at present, Mr Michael Dickinson, chief property manager with the council's estates office, said the local authority was run as a business and as such had to "realistically look at alternative uses for surplus assets".

Principal housing officer Mr Steve Whittaker said that studies of the land and the surrounding area were still to be completed. Until then there was no certainty that narrow North Avenue would be suitable as an access road.

He added: "I am sure the housing committee would be concerned about the loss of two council homes, but there is a lot of demand in the private sector for development land."

The local residents association organised a meeting on Wednesday which was attended by residents, local councillors and council officers.

The association has vowed to protect the land and to help Mrs Whittleworth keep her home.

Mr Whittaker hopes to take a full report to February's housing committee's at the latest.

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